amps are Carver in name only as Bob Carver had nothing to do with them.
Besides why would anyone want a THX symbol on their fine audio equipment.
I know this will land like an incendiary bomb but I think THX stands for
'THunderous Xplosions' at one frequency. Only older Carver stuff deserves
attention like the silver seven and some non tube variations. () covering
my ears. Class A - the A stands for anemic. Better to get that tube humm
and a warm glow with your 1 watt for $50,000. At least you get a
georgeous room heater along with your amp. Bob Carver proved (
reasonably with 'audio experts' at stereofile magazine) that in a blind
test a $50,000 silver seven tube amplifier (regarded as close to ther
best that could be made in late 80's) was virtually indistinguishable
from the silver9t solid state amps.
The 55x was produced after Bob left Carver and much of the manufacturing
was moved from Japan (good quality in the late 80's) to China where Carver
Corporation could massively reduce costs and slapp the THX label on
equipment still being bought by consumers to this day. Of course, I do not have an opinion on the subject.